5 comments about Organic Disciplemaking: Mentoring Others Into Spiritual Maturity And Leadership.

1. In the long tradition of The Lost Art of Disciple Making, Multiplying Disciples, and Disciples Are Made, Not Born, Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community is designed to do more than tell about the need for making disciples of Jesus. This is a book that painstakingly provides a path from start to finish.
   
   This book has the potential to be used by small group coaches to disciple and develop small group leaders. With today's small group ministries launching groups with leaders just a step ahead of their members, this could be a very helpful resource providing a pathway for mentoring.
   
   In its pages you will find more than stories of how it's working at Xenos. You'll also find the practical steps needed to begin a disciplemaking ministry in your own church. More importantly, you may find the inspiration to look for one life to pour into. After all, that is the point.



2. I really liked the book. It had the right theological framework necessary to grow God's people and care for the flock as well as providing very practical advise for helping those that want to engage in discipleship at different levels.
   
   I found the section on professional counseling rather difficult. I lean toward Biblical counseling which empowers God's people to counsel at different levels. I cringe at the advise most people get when they see psychiatrists. The problem is real, however. You were brave enough to speak about it. I would think something not so sophisticated speaking about this might be more appropriate for the readers of this book.
   
   Your section on quality conversation and friendship making will surely be helpful to some.
   
   It is a good basic book that helps people trying to make discipleship work in their cell groups.
   I already started talking about your book and will pass it on to some of our pastors



3. For a number of years now I've been working on a practical how-to book on discipleship. Dennis McCallum has beaten me to the punch with Organic Disciple Making. He's written the most practical book on how to disciple people I've ever read.
   
   Time and time again I find myself saying, "Yup, he nailed that one; that's how it works." For example, early on the book covers the subject of modeling and its key role in making disciples. Later it delves into the practical questions of how you counsel and disciple through various issues or how you deal with blocks in their development.
   
   For example McCallum distinguishes the difference between weakness and resistance and the appropriate response of a disciple maker. A disciple struggling with weakness generally needs encouragement, whereas a disciple who is resistant often needs confrontation and possibly discipline.
   
   I loved that the book had a whole section on coaching and I loved that its counsel is both biblically grounded and rooted in the everyday experience of someone who leads 250 home churches. I've read so many books on discipleship and few drill down to address the questions ordinary people have as they struggle to help their disciples grow.
   
   All of us who have committed ourselves to following Jesus and representing his name need to learn how to make disciples. It was the last thing he asked us to do before leaving the earth. If you as a Jesus-follower feel like you need help in learning how to do this in a way that feels natural, do yourself a favor and get Organic Disciple Making.



4. We purchased twenty copies which we used as a text book for a 13 week class at church, mixed men and women. The thrust of the class was to help the students know what is involved in finding, mentoring, teaching, and releasing a disciple in a one-on-one long term committed relationship. The book made a good back drop for the course in so far as it gave us a track to run on, since none of us had taught this subject before. As the teacher, I found several of the chapters to be spot on target and I used them pretty much exclusively for about half the course. Other chapters however were either weaker in content or just didn't cut to the specific deliverable I wanted to get across, so I supplemented with independent material. Several of my students had gone to the church website (Xenos) to check it out and were a little worried about the "casual" approach to ministering. Our church takes a more conservative approach and some behaviors that are considered culturally permissible, like smoking, course language, etc. we tend to frown on and believe the Holy Spirit through the process of Sanctification will cleanse the mature believer of. We therefore don't condone or model those behaviors in an attempt to woo the non or immature believer into sticking with us. Fortunately almost none of this came out in the book. Moreover, the book (and Xenos fellowship) rely heavily on "cell churches" which we also do not subscribe to. This method did come out in the book and so I had to customize the content for my class when it did. This was not a problem though. All in all, I'm glad I chose the book because it lived up to its "organic" name. That is, it got right to the heart of mentoring one on one, as opposed to many books I've seen that are more "clinical" or targeted to my own discipleship and walk with the Lord. This book definitely got us into the messy "human-ness" of one man pouring his life into another man, or woman to woman.



5. This is a great book--full of real-life disciple-making from someone who is doing it. I'm amazed every time I go to Xenos. Denis McCallum, the founder and one of the two senior pastors at Xenos Christian Fellowship, is making active disciples from among non-Christian people. He's actually practicing what he writes about in this book. I've been in the McCallum home on two different occassions and each time, the home was filled with young people who they are discipling--jsut like he writes about in this book. Buy it, read it, and do what it says.

5 comments about Cracking the Communication Code: The Secret to Speaking Your Mate's Language.

1. This book is an excellent sequel to Love and Respect.
   Both make an great package for any couple who wants to improve their relationship or save one that is failing.
   
   Pastor Steve W
   Tacoma, WA



2. This book is just as amazing as Eggerich's first book Love & Respect. I really enjoyed this book because it went a lot more into depth about communicating with your spouse. The point that really got me thinking is that we are not loving and respecting our spouse because we just feel like it but we are actually loving and respecting our spouse because we love God and are choosing to obey what he commands in Ephesians. When we love or respect our spouse we are choosing to obey God and we are choosing to serve Him in our marriage through the good times and difficult times too. Unconditional respect is a very difficult decision for a wife who has always been taught that people should earn our respect. I know that if I choose each day to unconditionally respect my spouse I will remain on the reward cycle because his need for respect will be met and he will want to fulfil my need for love.
   I recommend every single and married person to read Love and Respect and follow that reading with this book, Cracking the Communication Code.



3. "The key to motivating another person is meeting that person's deepest need - love for her and respect for him!" ~ pg. 134
   
   Whether you are in a fairly good marriage or in one that is falling apart, "Cracking the Communication Code" has a lot to offer. Dr. Emerson Eggerichs backs up his points with plenty of scripture references and gives advice based on wisdom gained from experience. He places an emphasis on listening, decoding, forgiveness, unconditional love and being thankful for your spouse. The main sections of the book include:
   
   A Summary of the "Love & Respect" book authored by Dr. Emerson
   Three Vital Truths for Better Communication
   The Crazy Cycle: A Relentless Enemy of Marital Communication
   The Energizing Cycle: To Better Communicate, Meet Your Spouse's Need
   The Rewarded Cycle: The Unconditional Dimension of Communication
   
   Dr. Emerson explains how couples get into cycles and shows how you can escape destructive patterns by showing respect and love. If you are fighting all the time then you are spending most of your time in the "Crazy Cycle." Couples who are giving love and respect are in the "Energizing Cycle." For those fighting to save their marriage through unconditional love, the "Rewarded Cycle" shows the way to conflict resolution and reconciliation.
   
   This book is filled with inspiring stories of couples who have used these teachings to their advantage. At the end of the book there is a special section for couples who want to improve their relationship by speaking to each other as Jesus would. Imagining Jesus standing next to your partner can be a way to monitor your speech.
   
   Most of the advice is for couples who want to learn to speak each other's language and who want to avoid fights. I did not feel that this book would be as useful in a very abusive relationship where someone is in danger. This is mostly for couples who are willing to work at their marriages together, although there is plenty of advice for anyone seeking to save their marriage on their own.
   
   ~The Rebecca Review



4. This is an expansion of his book Love & Respect, so I recommend listening to/reading that one first, but if you don't he gives a recap. It seems redundant, but the principles are something we all need ingrained into us. My husband and I are a perfect match - we matched on [...] , but our relationship went to a new level while I was listening to these CDs. Eggerichs' principles are straight out of scripture so they work! He sets aside the myths and roles that society has created about men and women and gets back to how God created us to be and to interact. He amazingly does so without offending who we are as women but uplifting us.



5. It was a bit repetitive of his first book, so if you've read Love and Respect, it's a great review too.

5 comments about Kingdom Triangle: Recover the Christian Mind, Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power.

1. I found this book to be full of useful and helpful information about what is going on in the church today. A good read for anyone who is keeping up with Kingdom activity.



2. J.P. Moreland, Kingdom Triangle: Recovering the Christian Mind. Renovate the Soul, Restore the Spirit's Power. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2007.
   
   J.P. Moreland is a highly esteemed, well-published, and extremely active Christian philosopher. For years I have profited greatly from his books and articles, and for fifteen years I have used his books as texts for courses at Denver Seminary. Unlike many Christian academics, Moreland maintains a passionate concern for the church, evangelism, and the state of culture at large. To that end, he divides his writing and speaking between the highly academic and the more popular or semi-academic. In so doing, he is able to build a bridge between scholarly pursuits and the questions and concerns of laypeople. Os Guinness refers to this area of endeavor as "intermediate knowledge." While proponents of intermediate knowledge are few, the need for such is great. Few non-philosophers are likely to read Moreland's book on universals, for example, but many thoughtful Christians will be drawn to his other books, such as Love Your God With All Your Mind (NavPress, 1997), which is a stellar apologetic for a robust and spirit-filled engagement of the intellect for the glory of God, the good of the church, and the winning of the world.
   
   
   Moreland's new work is both profound and controversial. The controversy will largely stem from his endorsement of the charismatic dimension of Christian experience. It is highly unusual to find an analytically trained philosopher with a Th.M. from Dallas seminary who endorses the "third wave" form of the charismatic movement!
   
   Kingdom Triangle is a passionate and knowledgeable summons to the church to engage God, the world, and the self in a deeply biblical and profoundly meaningful manner. To this endeavor, Moreland brings the resources of philosophy to bear fruitfully on the exigencies of the Kingdom of God. This is both rare and wonderful. The book is divided into two sections. The first explains "the crisis of the age" in America and the West in general. The second section gives the answer: a kingdom triangle of intellectual engagement, spiritual formation, and supernatural spiritual power.
   
   In explaining the contemporary crisis, Moreland writes that we have moved from the "thick" world of the biblical worldview to the "thin" worlds of naturalism and postmodernism. A biblical worldview provides the knowledge of God, existential meaning, and authentic drama to all of life. We are creatures of a good and holy God, placed on earth to manifest the virtues of the Kingdom of God. We are immersed in and engaged with a life and death struggle with the forces of evil, yet God is our strength and hope. We are not groping in the dark, but have been given knowable truth in Scripture and elsewhere.
   
   But both scientific naturalism and postmodernism--each in its own way--eviscerate the world of any objective meaning or genuine drama. Naturalism denies the reality of anything outside of what materialistic science can observe. The cosmos is reduced to merely material properties. All must be explained by impersonal change and necessity. There is no soul, no God, no angels or demons, and no afterlife. As Peter Berger put it, it is "a world without windows" because the universe is self-enclosed. Morality is not rooted in the Designer and in human nature, but is merely the result of natural selection. Knowledge is limited to what can be known through scientific methods (scientism).
   
   Postmodernism recoils from the aridity of scientific naturalism and tries to find meaning in the meaning-creation of communities and individuals. Like scientific naturalism, it denies that there is any objective meaning to life, but instead of trying to find meaning in science, it affirms the contingent constructions of human beings, variously situated. Each community--or person--has its own narrative or language game, none of which is superior to any other, but all of which are acceptable. However, there is no objective meaning to be found and no knowledge of objective reality to be had. While scientific naturalism is a form of realism (we can know something of objective reality, which is only material), postmodernism is a form of nonrealism (there is no objective reality, scientific or otherwise, to know). Both deny the knowledge of God.
   
   These two worldviews rob us of objective moral values, the dignity of human beings, and any concrete hope for our existence. As a result, instead of moral agents deeply rooted in objective reality, we find around us--or even within us--"empty selves" that are restless, easily distracted, infantile, and narcissistic. Moreland ardently argues that both worldviews are both empty and false. Christianity not only provides meaning and drama for life, but is true and rational and knowable. The knowledge of God is available to errant humans. While the book does not give a full-fledged apologetic for Christianity or against scientific naturalism and postmodernism, it does powerfully demonstrate the intellectual weaknesses of these two worldviews with respect to epistemology, metaphysics, and ethics.
   
   In the second half of the book, Moreland advocates the kingdom triangle as the proper response to "the crisis of our age." The first leg of the triangle is the recovery of the Christian mind. As a Christian philosopher and apologist, Moreland is in an exemplary position to offer advice. We must reclaim Christianity as a knowledge tradition; that is, we must not be content with leaps of faith or merely true beliefs about God and the Bible. To acquire knowledge we need to justify our beliefs (in various ways). Moreland provides a short but clear run down on various ways to know things and the importance of the mind to the Christian life. (On this, see also his book, Love Your God With all Your Mind, as well as James Sire's Habits of the Mind [InterVarsity, 2000].)
   
   The second leg of the kingdom triangle is the devotional life or spiritual disciplines. Moreland advocates the classical disciplines of retreat (such as solitude) and engagement (such as service) and speaks of ways one can understand the heart or affective side of one's personality. This interior understanding of the affect has become important to Moreland in recent years. From his own experience, he speaks of the need not only to apply the mind to the things of God, but also to bring one's emotions under the Lordship of Christ. Some may find his "heart meditation" a bit strange, since it emphasizes focusing on the heart muscle itself as a place of emotion. However, there is nothing necessarily New Age or otherwise dangerous about such a meditation if it is done prayerfully and thoughtfully. Nevertheless, this practice may not be appropriate or helpful for everyone. If so, one may ignore it, and I am sure Moreland would not mind. My lone criticism of this chapter is that it did not emphasize adequately the neglected discipline of prayer with fasting. If the essence of spirituality is denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and following Jesus, then there is no better way to deny ourselves in an age of over-indulgence and narcissism than to deny ourselves food in order to give ourselves more fully to the Lord.
   
   "The restoration of the Spirit's power" fills out the last leg of the kingdom triangle. Although Moreland graduated from a seminary that teaches that the supernatural gifts of the spirit (such as healing and prophecy) have ended (cessationism), in the past few years he has experienced some of these gifts himself and has reevaluated what the Bible teaches on these matters. He has come to believe that this dimension of Kingdom living is crucial if we are to respond effectively to the deadness and darkness of our time. I completely agree. While Moreland does not give a detailed exegetical or theological argument for the ongoing manifestation of supernatural gifts, he points out that the old cessationism has been losing its credibility among many, that Christians in the global south are experiencing these gifts in powerful ways, and that he himself has experienced or witnessed the miraculous dimension of the Kingdom of God in the past few years. What Moreland advocates is not classical Pentecostalism or the Charismatic renewal of the 1960s and 1970s, but the "third wave" approach of the Vineyard movement. This is an orientation that does not emphasize a second "baptism of the Holy Spirit" or insists on the speaking of tongues. It rather seeks God's supernatural agency for healing, prophecy, and other signs and wonders.
   
   Although I am also a proponent of signs and wonders as part of the dynamic of the ongoing manifestation of the Kingdom of God, I wish that Moreland had given a few more warnings about potential and actual abuses in these areas. Moreland alludes to the dimension of spiritual warfare, but one wishes he had fleshed out this aspect of Kingdom living in more detail, since the contemporary world is awash in false forms of religion that are inspired by "the god of this world" (2 Corinthians 4:4). But to his credit, he provides references to works that tackle this area.
   
   Kingdom Triangle has many strengths and no significant weaknesses. Moreland writes with a confident, compelling, and courageous voice. He does not avoid strong judgments when he deems them necessary. This may be off-putting to tender souls accustomed to terminal tentativeness in Christian writing, but it should not be. Moreland has paid his dues and knows of what he speaks. For example, as a robust proponent of Intelligent Design, he refers to theistic evolution as "intellectual pacifism," since it gives so much ground to Darwinism, a naturalistic understanding of biology that is not warranted by the facts. Likewise, Moreland has no patience with Christians who adopt postmodernist views of truth or knowledge, because such an approach marginalizes Christianity as merely another language game or perspective on reality. Christianity is, rather, a knowledge tradition that can and should be rationally defended according to objective principles of rationality. Moreland is not afraid to offer tough judgments against elements of popular culture--such as celebrity-ism and sports worship--when they reveal the hollowness and shabbiness of lives poorly lived (see Romans 12:1-2; 1 John 2:15-17).
   
   If read, pondered, preached, taught, and applied, the teachings of Kingdom Triangle could spark revival, reformation, and reform in the church, as well as in the world at large. This is a triangle that Christians must not ignore.



3. I heard Moreland speak to several hundred pastors at the National Pastor's Convention in San Diego. That was an impressionable experience for me. I now see why Kingdom Triangle is his most important book. (There are some wonderful audio add-ons to Kingdom triangle at the book's website: www.kingdomtriangle.com)
   
   Kingdom Triangle contains the necessary elements for a healthy, fruitful life as a Christian, including what is necessary for a Christianity to robustly engage the culture and its worldviews at large.
   
   Moreland is the best author for this sort of book. He is overflowing with valuable, wise, and insightful experience about life, ideas, and the culture at large. He has delivered the goods; now its our job as readers, leaders, and influencers of all sorts to engage his ideas in the crucible of our own individual and church experiences. Thank God for Kingdom Triangle!



4. First of all, let me explain the basics of the triangle Moreland has so keenly presented in this book. The book has 4 basic sections:
   
   1. "The Crisis of Our Age" (Chapters 1-4)
   2. "The Recovery of Knowledge" (Chapter 5)
   3. "Renovation of the Soul" (Chapter 6)
   4. "Restoration of the Kingdom's Miraculous Power" (Chapter 7)
   
   Chapters 1-4 describe in lucid detail the reason we need the Kingdom Triangle right now. Our culture is in a state of crisis, and Moreland explains the what, why, and how of it. With sharp awareness, Moreland has observed and studied our world and its history, recognizing what God intended, and pinpointing how we've gone against those intentions. Having failed as a race to follow God's intended course has resulted in a widespread crisis, namely, our abandonment of classic philosophy and life practice in exchange for modern substitutes. The inevitable outcome has been a pandemic case of human enslavement to "the empty self". We have exchanged the "thick" worldview of Christian monotheism for the "thin" worldviews of scientific naturalism and postmodernism. Moreland explains what is required for today's church to function as God intended, encouraging readers to effectively take action, penetrating the culture around us.
   
   Moreland brings the reader up to date on the relevant facts of the matter and writes informatively about the subject of knowledge. This is the heaviest and deepest part of the book, which Moreland admits. But he also encourages the reader that these things are essential for everyone in the church to understand. He writes as clearly as possible on these complex issues, sharing great wisdom in a way the layperson can understand.
   
   Having set the stage with the appropriate background, Moreland now moves on to explain the "triangle". First, he explains the importance of knowledge and its importance, recovery, and value for the Christian church. Second, he concisely explains the role of spiritual formation and discipleship in the inner life of a Christian, giving a brief overview of some classic spiritual disciplines. Finally, he completes the triangle with a thoughtful discussion of the role of the Holy Spirit's power in the life of the church, manifested in various miraculous signs, wonders, and providential acts. This section will be one of the biggest and most useful wake-up calls to many readers. Moreland sensitively presents well-informed ideas about the supernatural realities absent in so much of the Western church, while they thrive in other parts of the world.
   
   Moreland is one of today's greatest Christian philosophers and thinkers, and his years of experience spill forth in this book. He has gleaned rich knowledge and experience from various mentors and friends and from his own spiritual journey. The range of books he has studied is vast and his careful research is evident throughout.
   
   While reading, the value of this inspired book quickly became apparent to me. By the time I was done, there was no question: Kingdom Triangle has climbed to the top of my personal stack of "the greatest books of all time," sitting right there with my Dallas Willard collection. The book demands that the reader change his or her life for the best - which is my favorite kind of book. The challenges presented are very relevant for the current Western church, and Moreland argues for them masterfully. If I had to pick one part that most affected me, it would be the section where he explains a plan for living a life of self-denial, taking up your metaphorical cross (Mark 8:34-35), and living to love and serve others, after Christ's own example.
   
   I can't recommend the book enough. I think every Christian in our culture should read it, consider its truth, discuss it with friends, and apply its wisdom to a life of spiritual transformation. Pastors, grab a copy and start recommending it to others. This book is an honest and realistic call to participate in the life of greatness God has designed us for in his eternal kingdom.



5. Welcome to College: A Christ-Follower's Guide for the Journey
   
   J.P. Moreland's new book Kingdom Triangle (hereafter KT) offers a clarion call to the 21st century church. For at least the past decade, Christians have been lulled to sleep by a culture of self-help books and privatized beliefs. Far too many of us have been naturalized into believing that God doesn't do anything miraculous or supernatural in our sophisticated age. And a good number of us have not been intentional about cultivating a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ and attending to the important task of Spiritual Formation. Moreland's book offers a passionate, sober, and biblical corrective to this lethargy.
   
   The first section of KT seeks to analyze and assess where we are at as a culture. In a helpful analogy, Moreland discusses the difference between living in a "thin" world and a "thick" world. A "thin" world is one in which nothing ultimately matters (e.g., atheism would be a "thin" world). In this world, chemistry and physics exhaustively explain reality. On the other hand, if we live in a "thick" world, then objective morality exists (along with ultimate meaning, purpose, and value etc.). Christianity offers a "thick" world. In the next few chapters, Moreland highlights the inadequacies of postmodern and naturalistic worldviews. But he does not stop with analysis only. He prescribes a threefold remedy to counteract the prevailing winds of culture that are eroding the potency and vibrancy of Christians today. (1) Recover the Christian Mind (2) Renovate the Soul (3) Restore the Spirit's Power. I will briefly summarize each of these in turn.
   
   First of all, Moreland contends that knowledge is not the sole possession or province of the scientists in the white lab coats. While science yields important knowledge of our world, it is certainly not the only source of knowledge. Christians can and do possess knowledge of God, moral facts, and what a good life is (among other things). These are not private beliefs on the level of personal preference or pragmatism; rather they are bona fide instances of knowledge of reality--the way things really are. Not only is Christianity true, but it can be known to be true.
   Next, we are reminded how easy it is to allow our hearts to grow cold and calloused. If we are not intentional about examining the health of our souls, then we can become emotionally detached over time and eventually discover we are devoid of the vitality that God desires us to experience in our relationship with Him. We also tend not to cultivate a healthy community of relationships. This part of the triangle invites us to take our daily journey from brokenness to Christlikeness seriously (i.e., Spiritual Formation).
   
   Finally, Moreland reminds us that the Holy Spirit did not die with the last Apostle. And while we certainly don't want to drift into a mindless and wild-eyed sensationalism, I think many of us have shied away from the supernatural because we are either afraid we will look weird to our culture or we have been so conditioned by naturalism that we don't really (i.e., beyond lip service) believe in anything beyond the five senses. Moreover, stories of God's power and deliverance remind us of the supernatural world in which we live and can embolden our Christian lives.
   
   As I have read and reflected upon KT, I have been both challenged and encouraged. This is an important work which has something to say to all of us--regardless of our tradition or spiritual pedigree. I am grateful that J.P. Moreland took the time to integrate decades of ministry experience and study and then package it in an accessible format for the Christian community. If you have not yet read Kingdom Triangle, I encourage you to pick up a copy and read it carefully. While KT contains much that our "thin" world needs to hear, it just may be the timely catalyst you need for taking the next step in your journey with the Savior.

5 comments about A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I am a missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetic, biblical, charismatic/contemplative, fundamentalist/calvinist, ... anabaptist/anglican, metho (Emergentys).

1. Instead of criticizing and bashing those believers and sects of the Christain Faith who see and beleive things differently than he does, Brian McLaren takes a new and novel approach.
   
   Instead of concentrating on and ferreting out things, views and perspectives that divide, sometimes little and insignifican things, he chooses instead to concentrate on things, views, perspectives, beliefs and actions that unite.
   
   He seeks out and finds common ground of Christians of different persuasions...an impressive piece of work, as most of his books are.
   
   Fresh, novel approach...a good addition to Christian thought and literature. An especially good book for those who are beginning to doubt and question the faith as a whole because of the actions of a fanatic few.



2. Its hard to pin this guy down. he doesn't seem to want to take a stand on much that is not PC. That does make him controversial.
   
   His point about the Bible being narrative theology was well done, though I've thought about the Hebrew taking of the promise land in quite the terms he described. He seems to be open to evolution as an idea, which may bother some, but he doesn't really dwell on this. At one points he mentions that the substitutionary atonement was not in the original creeds and seems to infer that perhaps shouldn't be among our fundamentals (though he doesn't say this directly). Many others, including myself, see this as one of the very foundations of Christian belief and how one can practice the presence of God (which he calls us to) without experiencing this truth atonement puzzles me. I also am not sure what he has against the Patriarchs in the Bible bt he apologises for the fact that patriarchy is there.
   
   His presentation of the Anabaptists was great. So was his presentation of Pentecostals and contemplatives, two groups that aren't often associated. He does sight the reformed faith as being a creed which led to slavery in the new world or at least justified it. As far as I know, it was the Northern part of America which tended to be of the reformed faith and the south (especially the rich slave owning ones) tended to adhere mostly to the Anglican Church. (I am neither)
   
   I would disagree with one of his presuppositions, namely, that we need to change our message because we live in a dynamic context. I disagree. There is nothing new under the sun. The problems of sin, immorality, evil, depression that faced my parent's (and McLaren's) generation are the same today. Our reaction to them maybe different and our culture may be different, but our problems are the same and we need the eternal gospel preached to us, though perhaps in a different form, we need the same message.



3. I absolutely loved Brian McLaren's "A New Kind of Christian", a book that opened up a whole new world for me of possibilities of staying within the Christian faith, something on which I had almost given up. Rob Bell's "Velvet Elvis", in a different way, did the same. So I approached this next book by McLaren feeling exceptionally positive towards him and his writing.
   
   I wasn't disappointed. However this book is very different than "A New Kind of Christian". Once you get past the amusingly-titled but a little wordy Chapter 0 McLaren goes on a tour through different denominations and styles within Christianity, highlighting the good points about them (as well as looking at the bad), showing what we can all learn from this part of the church, and taking those good parts in order to build them into a new 'generous' orthodoxy. It's a great idea and it's also good to read a book which is very positive about so many denominations.
   
   Of course there are the negatives, and Brian says that he is from a particular part of the church and so perhaps he gives them a harder time (the conservative evangelical/fundamentalist wing). As this coincides very much with how I feel about that branch of Christianity that's no problem for me but I suppose readers from that tradition might find it uncomfortable reading at times. We're left in no doubt that McLaren is not a big fan of televangelists but he is a strong supporter of the green movement, that he is learning more to value the Roman catholic and Anglican ideas about liturgy and the mystical side of the church.
   
   What works very well is that each of the different elements in the book (missional, evangelical, post/protestant, liberal/conservative, mystical/poetical, biblical etc) get their own chapter where he delves into that tradition/idea and often gives the history of the movement which was fascinating for me with many of these. He seems able to see the bigger picture with many of these denominations and, as usual in his style, he is positive about many things within them. It was good to read an upbeat book although there were also parts where, with Brian, I almost despaired. The chapter arrangement meant that I read this book over a couple of weeks, dipping into a chapter here and there, and it gave me time to mull over what he was saying and to think about the overall point.
   
   I salute Brian McLaren for this excellent look at a generous orthodoxy (or at least working towards creating one), a church for our 21st century which learns from the mistakes of the past but also doesn't throw out the baby with the bathwater but picks up those good aspects of the traditions and incorporates them into our postmodern world. This was an excellent read, a book I am sure I will return to many times, and of course the author's humble writing style is, as always, appealing.



4. The forward/intro didn't seem interesting.
   
   Chap 1. "The Seven Jesuses I have known" was my favorite part of the book. First I like how he shared his positive experiences with different communities & approaches to Christianity. He discusses theological focuses such as the cross/salvation (conservative Protestant), Holy Spirit/experience (Pentecostal), resurrection/sacraments (Catholic), incarnation/immanence (Eastern Orthodox), living the gospel (ana-baptist), missional (Evangelical), and God of justice & peace (liberal Protestant). That's my "off the top of my head" summary anyway...
   
   It sincerely sounds like he has been committed to believing and living each of these different approaches at different points in his life, and for the last 10 years has been trying to make sense of it all, and "emerge" with a belief system that respects all of them, and perhaps unifies them. In the second half of the book, he discusses the positives he sees in different Christian groups.
   
   Generous means inclusive/unifying these differing Christian ways, while Orthodoxy implies the doctrinal/belief systems of the modern world are adjusted in this post-modern world, with a more simple trust in Jesus as Lord (for both individuals and communities). This generous orthodoxy incorporates doctrines & practices from different denominations, tradition, Scripture, etc. It isnt something he really defines, although he says it wouldnt be pluralistic. I guess the point is that is isnt something set in stone, for which people need to conform. The vision is that post modern people can bring their thoughts, beliefs, and experiences to the Christian table without being shunned.
   
   There are particular beliefs he does speak against, including determinism, pre-destination, inerrancy & infallibility of Scripture, pluralism, authority of hierarchy/papacy, prosperity, "left-behind", and more I cant recall right now; while promoting political activism, environmental activism, mission work, living apart from society (Mennonites, Omish, etc), bible as narrative, small group gatherings, openness to evolution & modern science... In general, I think his beliefs follow the trend of the post-modern Christian populace, so it is fitting to have it written in a book as somewhat of an Orthodoxy.



5. I can't say that I agree with every single thing Brian McLaren says in this book. How could almost anyone who was raised in the church? A lot of what is said in this book really resonates with me, though. I may not have been a little bit irked by some small details, but I think the overall message of this book is one that all Christians should embrace. We DON'T have every aspect of theology figured out and we're still in a process for getting it figured out that we will never complete. That CHRIST should be the center of our belief system and all CHRISTians should strive to follow Christ. As Christians we need to look beyond the walls of our sanctuaries and look out into the world and look for opportunities to bless the WORLD (after all, in the Lord's eyes, we are all equally wretched human beings). And we need to STOP picking and fighting among ourselves over trivial doctrines and EMBRACE what we have in common and LEARN what we can from other traditions. I think that is really what McLaren is trying to tell us with this book.
   
   I have some general comments about the book. Brian McLaren is a wizard at the keyboard. The writing style here is superb and it is also very readable. In a world where time is getting harder and harder to find, this is important. It is also quite informative in aspect to Church History, which I have never had a good grasp on. It serves as a great overview for someone new to the subject and now that I have a small (but existent!) foundation, I am interested in reading up on the topic more thoroughly. Also, Brian gives tons of suggestions for further reading (with 148 total footnotes) so you definitely don't have to stop here. Lots of books to be read.
   
   A lot of people have dismissed this book as being Un-Biblical. To that I ask, "Are you serious?" Brian cites scripture throughout the book and doesn't say much of anything like "Here's the part where I flush my Bible down the toilet." Anyone who finds this book Un-Biblical simply confuses me, and I've yet to find someone to convince me of that statement. They just convince me that they didn't really READ the book.
   
   A lot of people seem to think that this is some attempt to pull the floor out from under the religious right. This is another argument that simply perplexes me. Almost every single time McLaren uses the words "liberal" or "conservative" they have absolutely NOTHING to do with politics. Usually Brian is talking about two different approaches to interpreting the Bible and how each of them have their own set of problem and we need to look to an alternative that sheds those
   
   Another reviewer accused Mclaren of doubting the existence of Hell. I'm not sure what book they were reading. McLaren just leaves the judgment aspect to God because who are depraved humans to exhibit divine judgment on each other.
   
   I hope not to sound like a complete jerk, but I just SO confused by the negative reviews for this book. I just don't understand. For anyone who found this book to be un-Biblical, or heresy or liberal propaganda, I'd encourage you to re-read it. I think the problem is that people tend to take minor passages from this book that may be slightly provocative (which are really tongue-in-cheek and clever, not meant to be taken too seriously) and they BLOW them out of proportion to the point where they miss out on McLaren's main point. This book is meant to be read with an open mind, so if you're ready for a challenging, thought provoking, book by all means open up your mind and read it. Thanks to this book, I have thought more about what my own version of orthodoxy looks like more than I ever have. I think that if he reads this review, McLaren will rejoice that at least one of his readers has gotten what he hoped out of this book.

5 comments about Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism.

1. John Piper, and friends, are true Godly people seeking to help us understand God's Word. This book does that and the commentary included on this book by others shows the unwillingness to submit to the authority of God's Word and His Son. God's Word, and this book, show a beautiful role of men and women that, if followed, help make for a better world. It does NOT in any way put women down. It DOES have specific roles for each, Godly roles, that have been time-test when followed.



2. The book arrived in great shape in a very timely fashion. Thanks!



3. Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood is a much needed response to the 20 and 21st century evangelical church disregarding the clear commands of Scripture. It seems as though a whole cottage industry of Evangelical feminist publications has been established to try to argue against what the Bible so clearly states - that God created both men and women in His own image(so that they both have worth and equal value), BUT He also created them different and with different roles to complement each other and in the home and in the church God established that men should lovingly lead. God's created order is a good order, the feminism of our day has distorted that order, but God's command and order stands true in every generation, men are to lead in the family and men are to lead and teach in the assembled church (woman are not prohibited from teaching children or other woman). This book provides a good vision and defense of, what on the face of it, to most Bible readers is clear and a scholarly refutation of those who deny this order.



4. Please get yourself a copy of the DVD set - "Women in Ministry, silenced or set free" - by MMoutreach (available at Amazon or MMoutreach).
   
   For a TRUE and thorough Bible study on this subject, please view "Women in Ministry, silenced or set free" - by MMoutreach.
   Very thorough, and examines this subject from Genesis onwards......
   
   In these DVD's, many teachings and opinions from the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood are clearly challenged, and absolutely refuted by thorough scriptural studies of the original manuscripts in the greek and the original grammar.
   
   These are done in absolute context, and are compared with the teachings of the entire Bible - so that the truth of this matter rings out loud and clear to anyone who will seek to know it.



5. Very interesting but lots of words-I am not done reading it yet. Well written and John Piper is one of my favorite authors so I know it will be great.

5 comments about Getting to Know the Church Fathers: An Evangelical Introduction.

1. Dr. Litfin's Book "Getting to Know the Church Fathers", overall is a helpful overview of a topic that modern Christians know very little about. He sheds important light on some of the doctrinal disputes came about, and how these figures were influential in shaping Christianity as we know it today. Another part of this book which i particularly enjoyed was that Dr. Litfin included short sections of writings from the church fathers.
   
   Dr. Litfin writes in a very plain style and is very easy to read. However, one of the downfalls in being so easy to read is that in some cases the book becomes to feel like it is not especially scholarly. This is demonstrated by his introduction to the church fathers in which he gave short modern anecdotes which i found to be superfluous. Moreover, another issue that he had with this book was it seemed to me that Dr. Litfin skimmed over or ignored altogether some of the blemishes that these Church Fathers had.
   
   Overall, this book is definitely worth reading. Dr. Litfin has indeed blessed the church with this work.



2. Dr. Litfin's "Getting to Know the Church Fathers" is an excellent introductory text that fulfills exactly what the title proclaims. Litfin provides a intriguing historical accounts of men who protected the early Christian church. He accurately describes the church Fathers without making them righteous as he digs out both their saintly and sinful deeds.
   
   Dr. Litfin teaches an introductory class titled Christianity and Western Culture at Moody Bible Institute that covers the majority of the content of his book. This past semester I had the privilege of being in this class. As I read "Getting to Know the Church Fathers" I felt as if I was once again in the same room with Dr. Litfin as he teaches not from a heady pious standpoint, but from a humble, learning stance. His goal is not to overwhelm or guilt but to reveal those who have gone before us, who have paved the way, and to call us to the same standard.
   
   If you cannot take Christianity and Western Culture read this book.



3. Bryan Liftin has written a very inclusive and dynamic book about the early church fathers, an excellent narrative of historical, biographical and theological themes. Full disclosure: I am not an evangelical Christian so I cannot comment from that perspective whether the book fulfills a need for that community. However, as one studying more about Eastern Orthodox Christianity I can say without fear of contradiction that this book provides anyone interested in the origins and development of the Christian ideas and beliefs which are still current in modern times a broad and intelligent introduction. Liftin covers the trail blazed by the early Fathers in a linear approach, looking both at the history of the life of each one but also how each develops the important articles of faith and determination of the sacred texts from their predecessors. One can read how the theology of the Trinity,for example, accepted by almost all Christian faiths of today was painstakingly developed and resolved in a sometimes conflicting and contradictory manner. The reader is readily engaged by Lifkin in this pursuit and can follow a path made very clear despite so many fits and stumbles during those early days. You can easily see how dedicated the Fathers were to the insistence on truth and true knowledge and understanding of Christ as a living person and as the transcendent eternal son of the Father. All of us who have believed in Christianity owe a great debt to the precision and life-long dedication of these remarkable historical figures and their writings concerning the true faith. Lifkin spends very little time proselytizing about the evangelical Christian's perspective, which really adds much to the fact that I think anyone of Christian belief will find this work enlightening, well documented, and 'orthodox', meaning the one truth unchanged as it was given to the Fathers from the Apostles. There's no question that he is opening a new door for fundamentalist Christians by acceding to the idea that the tradition which was given to the Church and maintained through the early Fathers is extremely relevant to evangelicals as it is to Eastern Orthodox and the Church of Rome and its various off-shoots such as the Anglican, Lutheran and Calvinist faiths.



4. One of those books you don't want to put down. An easy read, very informative. I'm now looking for more books like it.



5. Americans are notoriously ignorant of the past, and American Christians are no exception. What little people do claim to know are often distortions of the past and are generally two-dimensional. Church history, moreover, can actually be discouraging to Evangelicals who might at best peer through the scratched lens of fragmented history and see only abusive popes, intrigue, politics, and schism.
   
   Yet Dr. Litfin has built a bridge over that admittedly troubled Church history to bring out the humanity of those brave believers of the nascent Church. No longer should we be content to choose between stale academic treatments or pithy portraits produced by self-serving and ignorant authors. Dr. Litfin introduces the reader to real people with real struggles while simultaneously educating the Evangelical enthusiast as to the larger canvas of the impact these key individuals had on the development of Christianity. Moreover, reading this with an open mind will help Evangelicals work through the tension of a messy Church history that nevertheless brought out courage and faithfulness of men and women during times of great challenge to Christianity's very survival. What a message of hope for us in our day!
   
   As other reviewers note, the language is accessible and fresh, though one should not dismiss its historical depth; on the contrary, the author displays a persistent commitment to authenticity and accuracy. The professional and layman would do well to add this to their personal library.

5 comments about The Yada Yada Prayer Group Gets Rolling (The Yada Yada Prayer Group, Book 6).

1. I've read the entire Yada Yada series and I have to applaud Neta Jackson. They are well written and the religion and spirituality isn't forced -- it is natural, with scripture to back it up. The recipes in the novel are a little strange, but you can jump over them. The characters are realistic and I've learned from the series. Definately a good read for Christians... especially as you are finding your own walk in faith.



2. These gals are a hoot. Even got their guys going. What a great story line. I enjoyed every line of every book. Wish there were more - what about new grandchildren and new members of Yada Yada? Peggy Touchtone Sholly



3. I have enjoyed the entire Yada Yada series. I and my friends have been blessed.



4. this is an awsome read...just as goood as the first 5 in this series...can't wait to start number 7 and hope she writes more!!!!



5. Love love love these books. I am going to hate to see this series come to and end. Pleased with the condition of the book and was here very quickly.
   Thanks
   Connie in NC

5 comments about Divided by Faith: Evangelical Religion and the Problem of Race in America.

1. I had high hopes for this book, as I was expecting an analysis of why church congregations are one of the most segregated places in America. Except for one chapter (more on this chapter below), that is not at all what the book is about.
   
   Unfortunately, the bulk of the book plays out into a typical conservative/liberal disagreement. Much of the disagreement between conservatives and liberals stems from two very different views on how the world works. Conservatives generally view the world on an individualist basis, and they count the bulk of life's happenings to be the result of cause and effect from the individuals actions. Liberals generally see the world with a more corporate view; they tend to claim institutions as the causes of problems, and collective responses as the remedy.
   
   The main conclusion of the authors from their interviews with Evangelical Christians is that they claim to want racial equality, and in fact the bulk of them sincerely desire racial harmony in the world and act accordingly in their own lives, but the vast majority of Evangelical Christians are doing nothing to change *the system*. Per the authors, the main cause of racism today is institutional racism - e.g. a stacked legal system, unfair lending practices, unequal salaries, etc. The fact that Evangelicals are not standing up against this is inexcusable to the authors.
   
   The statistical proof for this institutional racism is laid out in chapter one, which brings me to my main criticism. The authors' use of statistics to back up their claims is both sloppy and irresponsible. The issue of race in America is important and filled with emotion; proclaiming loud condemnation based on very poor statistical analysis does not help. I am a professional statistician by trade, and if I was to draw definitive conclusions from the stats that the authors quote, I would be out of a job quickly. If institutional racism does exist, then Christians absolutely should be fighting against it. But I am unconvinced by the given statistics.
   
   But at this point it degenerates into politics. These statistics have been lobbied and attacked by liberals and conservatives for years. This book argues nothing new. Its point: there is a lot of division in America, and if conservatives would adopt the world view of liberals we would all get along.
   
   Chapter 7, however, is the wheat among the chaff. Chapter 7 is an insightful view on race and religion and why congregations are so segregated. The chapter is a bit more theoretical, but the analysis is thoughtful and the conclusion challenging. If possible, I would recommend that people read only Chapter 7 and ditch the rest, unless of course you are in the mood for some typical political bickering.



2. First off, I am a white evangelical in a moderately sized city to give you some idea of the perspective I bring to reading this.
   
   THE GOOD:
   The statistics in the book (the median net worth of blacks is $3,700 compared to $43,800 for whites, P.13...the subtle racism in depiction of the 'evils' of heavy metal music which is usually consumed by Caucasians and rap music which is more favored by urban blacks, p.15...the 1998 National Congregations Study showing 90% of U.S. congregations are formed at least 90% by one race, P.136) reveal that the Church has a long way to go to demonstrate that "Red and yellow, black and white they are precious in His sight".
   
   The personal anecdotes of average evangelical laypeople, both black and white, help put a human face on the views of those on each side of 'the divide'. It helps to remind us that the answers may not lie in 'one size fits all' political solutions.
   
   Chapter 7, as another reviewer mentioned, does a good job of explaining why it is difficult to maintain a mixed-race congregation. "Birds of a feather flock together" and over time, congregations tend to bleed toward one hue or another even despite the pastor's attempts and the founding members best intentions. (The story of 'First Church' 147-150 is illustrative) Also, the tendency of churches to 'market' themselves toward specific groups cause this too...most churches that feature hymns do not also feature contemporary rock-tinged praise and worship music..those who feature 'black' gospel chorals don't tend to feature country infused "Southern gospel".
   
   THE BAD:
   The book seems to be very dismissive towards free will determination and individual effort, even as it states these are evangelicals' bedrock values. Since the authors themselves are evangelicals, it seems self-flagellating that they more or less paint two crucial elements of the evangelical belief system as endemic to preventing racial harmony.
   
   It also does seem to embrace a government oriented method of "fixing things": i.e. whites and blacks would get along better if they rubbed shoulders as neighbors, therefore laws must artificially mandate that this happen. The problem with this is the authors seem to not try and understand WHY the inner city areas, which tend to have a higher percentage of black population, don't have as much racial diversity as they would like to see. Is it all simply "white flight"...or is it possible that people desiring the best they can manage for their families choose not to live in neighborhoods they perceive as crime-ridden and unsafe? The same reason why middle and upper income blacks would choose to leave the same areas...they're doing the best they can to provide safe haven for their children as that's what good parents do (or at least try to do).
   
   The argument can be posited I suppose that what Jesus would do is to go where the 'trouble' is and I can see the wisdom in that perspective, but I'm more willing to take more risks with my own PERSONAL safety in the attempt to minister to others than I am willing to do with my FAMILY'S safety. My wife and child are more vulnerable to criminals and because of that I do my best (nothing's 100 percent mind you..even in our 'better' neighborhood we've seen break-ins) to minimize danger and try to make them feel sheltered.
   
   I second the comments another reviewer made in that the problem seems to be 'fixable' in the authors' view primarily through human efforts. Little to no mention is made of individual believers, both black and white (and other races for that matter), who strongly desire to see Christian racial unity as the beginning of the larger healing of the country by actively PRAYING for it on a repeated basis. For an evangelical, the belief that God ANSWERS prayer is foundational and should be a cornerstone of any push to bind society's wounds.
   
   BOTTOM LINE:
   Asks a lot of the right questions and for that it's worth reading. Just don't expect to find the answers for the "race problem" here.



3. What we have here is a leftist author who believes the way to fix all racial problems is for everybody to accept his policy prescriptions.
   
   He thinks white conservative Christians, although showing little racial animus toward blacks, are "part of the problem" because they don't accept his particular political views. This bias taints any insightful parts of the book.



4. Please, don't read this book without reading the "sequel": United by Faith.
   
   "Divided by Faith" probes the problem, as understood through a dissertation research project, of race relations in Evangelicalism in America in the 1990s. The results are troubling and at times produce hopelessness. However, facts are facts, and this sort of detailed quantitative and qualitative study is all-too-rare in Evangelical circles.
   
   Emerson's premise is that much of what white Evangelicals do to unite across racial lines end up being counter-productive. He does so by showing a concise history of Evangelical thought about racism from Colonial times to the Civil Rights movement. His basic premise is that most work done is too individualistic--one person trying alone to cross racial boundaries. His basic suggestion is the cross-cultural congregation. Unfortunately, until one reads "United by Faith," how to accomplish this goal is left to the reader's imagination--which may by now have been stunted by all the piles of statistics suggesting that Evangelical racial reconciliation is futile.
   
   The power of God, starting with one person's commitment to cross-cultural relationships, can start a chain reaction--and lead to hope.
   
   Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction , Soul Physicians, Spiritual Friends.



5. This book gets you out of your own hide and context and helps you better understand your context as opposed to the context of others from another type of family, neighborhood, race. We in america have a terrible bias that makes us think of ourselves as the best in the world. We base that mostly on material possessions and military power, not on any real attempt to identify with those in other parts of the world. The same is true of the white culture of this country who do not realize - and cannot without a lot of hard work and introspection - what it is like to be non-white and to grow up in a non-white family, neighborhood, and deal with whites and the predominant white culture. There are multiple white contexts just as there are multiple black and multiple Hispanic contexts - looking at them and seeing the bias helps towards understanding one another and working together. We have a lot to learn about God and Jesus that we can simply learn from breaking down walls and talking.

5 comments about It's Not About Me: Rescue From the Life We Thought Would Make Us Happy.

1. A splendid book, that debunks prosperity ministry's, be happy ministry's, or any other theology puts function of the message above God. Creation is about bringing God the Glory. Church Ministry should be about bringing God the Glory. Christians should be content in God's will. The purpose is not Christian contentment but to bring God the glory. The Church is to bring God Glory; I am to bring the focus to God. Through Salvation of fallen men God is glorified. But even to that end the purpose of `church' is not to preach the word so people accept Jesus as Savior. The purpose of church is to bring God the glory.
   
   The author of this book illustrates this fact by demonstrating how man likes to believe he is the center of attention. He argues the earth is not the center of the universe or the galaxy. The earth revolves around the Sun. The moon does not have its own light but reflects the light of the Sun. Christians are to be Son reflectors. Not to show forth their own glory but the glory of Jesus Christ. Jesus brought glory to the Father so are Christians to bring glory to the Son.
   
   I used the phrase: Soli Deo Gloria as the title because it represents the phrase of the reformation that best represents this work. This book does not contain Latin phrases and is written so those not well versed in scripture can understand, but it underlying truth is still to God be the glory or to God be the Glory Only.



2. I never really got into this book. May have been me? I found it to be simplistic and slow, never really held my interest. I did finally finish the book, but to be honest, I didn't retain anything of a positive nature.



3. Somehow, I've managed to be a Christian for over a decade without ever reading a book by Max Lucado, though of course, I'm quite familiar with his name. I picked up this book because the subject matter sounded good. Unfortunately, Mr. Lucado's writing, which was full of jokes, often inappropriate, as well as his quoting of The Message Bible (which is not at all faithful to the Word of God), soon turned me away. In addition, he seemed to say the same thing a thousand times and to just be padding the book, which is still only 140 pages!
   
   Here's an example of the constant joking: "The moon is happy to do so! [to reflect the glory of the sun] You never hear the moon complaining. She makes no waves about making waves. Let the cow jump over her or astronauts step on her; she never objects. Even though sunning is accepted while mooning is the butt of bad jokes, you won't hear ol' Cheeseface grumble." p 6 I feel the sunning and mooning bit is inappropriate in any context. The example of the moon reflecting the sun's glory was fine, but all of the other joking distracts from his message. And there were numerous other examples in the 27 pages I read of this constant joking.
   
   Are you familiar with Psalm 29, which begins (in the NKJV), "Give unto the Lord, O you mighty ones, Give unto the Lord Glory and strength. Give unto the Lord the glory due to His name; Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Well he quotes The Message Bible which begins the psalm, "Bravo, God, braco! Gods and all angels shout, "Encore!" In awe before the glory, in awe before God's visible power. Stand at attention! Dress your best to honor Him!" That is NOT the Word of God! And it doesn't even capture much of the meaning. How does worshipping the Lord in the beauty of holiness become about dressing our best to honor Him?????
   
   And those first 27 pages could have been condensed into 4 or 5 once you removed the joking and the constant repetitiveness. Each chapter really felt like a 1-page devotional desperately padded with fluff to make it into a whole chapter.
   
   Definitely pass on this book. Maybe other books by this author are more appropriate, but I don't expect to be reading any others to be finding out. I'm very disappointed.



4. this book is uplifting, and a nice reminder just who is in charge of our lives. it really is not about me, God is the center of all the choices I make and the reason I honor Him every day through my actions and words.



5. Here's a simple, sensible, and sound plan for re-programming your life. We've long acted as if our self-interest should shape our every decision. In this compelling missive, Max Lucado suggests, that is much like the flea in the elephant's ear taking pride and claiming credit for rattling the footbridge they just crossed. Following the clear message at the core of this book will lead to peace above all, and in all likelihood, to unimagined joy, an integrated and congruent life, and often, prosperity as well. What, or who, is at the center of your life, and why? With illustrations, personal stories, and much encouragement, Max Lucado asks those questions and supports the reader as he or she searches for answers.

5 comments about Nine Things You Simply Must Do: To Succeed in Love and Life.

1. This takes some study and time to read, but the basics rules of life in the book come from decades of counseling and therapy work by this fine doctor.
   
   My favorite and most difficult to achieve? To do the right thing, even though others may become angry or upset. So hard if you are raised to be polite and always try to please. But totally necessary to accomplish what you must in life.
   
   Good job, Dr. Cloud.



2. Cloud does a good job on how to have a successful life. First, you must find what you would like to do as a career. Second, deal with problems by fixing it or eliminating it. Third, create a well thought out plan step by step all the way to reaching successs. Also think about options and see if they will hurt you or help you in the future. Fourth, be proactive, be a person of action. Fifth, be dilligent and industrious by doing something and make progress, no matter how small the progress is. Sixth, Be sure to fix what you hate in a positive way. Seventh, do not seek justice for yourself, seek rather to give mercy and forgive. Eighth, study and grow in humility. Ninth, realize that you cannot please everyone.



3. This is a MUST read for 2007. It is very good, and very practical and really makes you think. It's is beautifully written. Hands down, amazon is by far the cheapest.



4. Anyone who is living in this world and wants more out of life should read this book. It is amazing at the simple things successful people do that seem so small and that you don't even notice that are really huge oaks in their lives and make them so successful over long periods of time and through their life. This book can help you in every area of your life and especially if you are finding life difficult, a living death, a hard road to walk... this book will give you great insight on how to live LIFE to it's fullest in practical way and get results that you didn't think were possible. I could go on and on about it, but I promise you, get it, read it, and you will never look back.



5. From the cover, it appears that the book is marketed at the success oriented crowd. Dr. Cloud is identified as a psychologist and co-author of the best selling 'Boundaries'. We have to go to the back flap to detect the biblical orientation via a citation of his previously published 'God Will Make A Way'.
   There are wonderful biblical quotes that illustrate points made along the way and the context freshens our perceptions of biblical wisdom.
   The brief, but very helpful concluding chapter might be read first. Here, we get a little from the author on how he came to make a success of 'Success'. He very frankly offers 12 steps toward applying the 9 things, and the first is 'Do Not Go It Alone'. It seems Dr. Cloud came up in a community of like minded folk who could support each other's ambitions.
   In the absence of such support, 'you are not going to go far'.
   With chapter 12 in mind, you might very profitably read the book from front to back and keep it handy for future encouragement.